Inside a Sikh Temple

For those of us entering a Gurdwara, or Sikh Temple, for the first time on Saturday, August 3rd, there are some guidelines to follow which are outlined below. The Gurdwara is a holy place of worship for Sikhs with customs that show our respect and joy in being there. Enjoy the new experience and remember that all are welcome to visit the Gurdwara even after the wedding day.

Customs Inside the Sikh Temple

As a sign of respect for the holiness of our place of worship, please note that everyone will be required to remove their shoes and cover their head in an appropriate manner before entering the main hall. You may place your shoes in the cubby boxes provided outside and wash your hands in a symbol of cleansing. If you did not bring a scarf to cover your head, you may borrow one from the box outside before entering. Men can tie the scarf around the back of their head and women can place the scarf over their head and tie it under their chin.

If you need help tying the back of your scarf, people will be more than happy to help you out.

Once Inside the Gurdwara

Sri Guru Granth SahibProceed with other people in the congregation into the main hall called the Darbar Hall. There you will find a large space with a covered structure in the center which we call our Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, or SGGS for short, is our holy scripture and living Guru, or teacher, that guides our actions. It is held in the highest esteem by the Sikhs which is why we cover our heads, take off our shoes and wash our hands before entering.

Making an offering to SGGSYou will notice that there is a pathway facing the SGGS inside the main hall and if you would like to make an offering, you may wait in line to stand in front of the SGGS, hold your hands in front of you as you make a prayer and place some money on the covered space for donations. Once you put down your money (or even if you have chosen not to give a donation), please crouch down to your knees and place your head to the floor as a sign of respect (you will see others do this so you can just follow their lead if you're unsure). After you have made your bow in respect, please find a spot to sit on the appropriate side, with the women or men, facing the SGGS. Once in the main hall, you will be expected to sit on the carpeted floor for at least 45 minutes. The seating is sectioned with women on the left and men on the right side of the hall. It is important that suitable clothing be worn (see the What to Wear Section at the top).

Men and women sit on different sides inside the main hall, facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib or SGGS for short. Follow the middle pathway up to the SGGS to make an offering or say a prayer before the ceremony starts.

Key Events in the Gurdwara

There are different key events in the ceremony that are outlined below. There will be times when everyone will stand or bow down to the SGGS so when in doubt, follow the crowd as the different stages occur.

a. Kirtan - The singing of the Holy Hymns - Gurbani. As you enter the darbar hall, musical singing of sacred hymns from the holy scriptures will already be taking place. The Kirtaini jatha (religious singers) will be seated on a stage in front of the hall next to the central stage of the Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib will be attended by a Sewadar (volunteer Sikh) or Giani (priest) who will be waving a Chaur over the Guru. After several Shabads (hymns) have been sang, the priest (Giani) or the stage secretary will announce the timetable for the formal part of the Anand Karaj ceremony in the darbar hall.

The bride will enter with her female family and friends who are close in age and relationship to her. Traditionally, she will have a sad or somber expression to show her strong feelings in leaving her family and childhood behind to start this new stage in her life.

b. Ardas – Key People (Bride, groom, both parents of bride and groom) will stand straight with folded hands and join in this prayer.

c. Palla - The bride's father will formally hand the end of the sash, which the bridegroom wears over his shoulder into the hands of the bride. At the same time the shabad "Palla tanda lagee" is sung by the Kirtaniajatha (musicians).

c. Laava – The Bride and Groom will walk in tow around the SGGS four times at the set intervals. First the priest will read a Laav (one of four) from the Guru Granth Sahib; then the musicians will sing the same laav while the Bride and Groom will circle the Guru in a clockwise direction.

d. Ardas – All the congregation will stand and join in the ardas followed by Hukamnama.

e. Sagaan – The parents of the Bride and Groom, followed by key people and the congregation will bless the newly wedded and give gifts of money and have photos taken.

f. Kara Parshad – Blessed "Sweet pudding" is served. Volunteers will hand this warm sweet out with napkins. Please receive this blessed food with two hands from your server. This ends the formal part of the Sikh wedding ceremony.